Michael Popke

6 days ago | shepherdexpress.com | Michael Popke

Straight out of Lincoln, Neb., The Wildwoods—husband-wife duo Noah (guitar) and Chloe (violin) Gose, accompanied by Andrew Vaggalis on upright bass—make sweet-sounding Americana-folk music. The trio’s laid-back fourth full-length album, Dear Meadowlark, reflects such influences as Nickel Creek, Mumford & Sons and Wisconsin’s own Bon Iver. These 11 songs are wholly rooted in the group’s personal experiences navigating adulthood, marriage and homesickness.

2 weeks ago | isthmus.com | Michael Popke

Dean Robbins knows a little something about heroes. He’s built his career as an author writing popular picture books — 13 and counting! — about the likes of vaccine genius Jonas Salk, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Malala Yousafzai, the youngest person to receive a Nobel Prize. Now, with his first book for adult readers, Robbins is turning his attention to even more heroes.

2 weeks ago | sportsdestinations.com | Michael Popke

Photo © Matimix | Dreamstime.comThe vast majority (88 percent) of youth sports coaches who participate in specialized coach training feel more competent and effective in their roles. That’s the initial big takeaway from an ongoing Million Coaches Challenge study. What’s more, 94 percent of participants agree that all coaches would benefit from foundational training in youth development practices that include creating safe environments and fostering relationships with athletes.

2 weeks ago | sportsdestinations.com | Michael Popke

Photo © Wisky | Dreamstime.com Few sports are probably less understood than pole gymnastics. The first inclination is to relegate the sport to a form of glorified pole dancing, but that would be  misguided. Generally speaking, pole gymnastics encompass acrobatic and dance movements performed on a vertical pole.

1 month ago | sportsdestinations.com | Michael Popke

Photo © Lucian Milasan | Dreamstime.comKirsty Coventry broke down multiple barriers when she was elected March 20 as the 10th president of the International Olympic Committee — succeeding outgoing president Thomas Bach. Not only is she the youngest person (41 years old) and first woman to hold the position, but the former Zimbabwean Olympic swimmer also is the first African in that role.